Formula One team Marussia is investigating an accident in which test driver Maria de Villota sustained what were initially described as "life-threatening injuries" on Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, her condition was described as "stable" though she has head and facial injuries. According to team sources she was conscious and had spoken to her father, Emilio, a former Formula One driver, and her sister. She was also undergoing further medical tests at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

De Villota, 32, from Spain, had been driving the Marussia car for the first time in a straightline aerodynamics test at Duxford airfield. Her car had slowed after her opening installation lap, according to witnesses, before lurching into a stationary team transporter, hitting the tail-lift at the rear of the truck at a reported 20-30mph.

The top of the car and De Villota's helmeted head are believed to have taken the main impact of the collision. According to one theory the anti-stall mechanism on the car was activated as she approached the temporary pits area.

It is understood she was unconscious for about 15 minutes after the accident.

After being rushed to hospital Marussia issued a statement saying: "Since Maria's arrival at the hospital at approximately 10.45am this morning, she has been receiving the best medical attention possible at the hospital, which is the region's major trauma centre.

"Maria is conscious and medical assessments are ongoing. The team will await the outcome of these assessments before providing further comment. The team's first priority at this time is Maria and her family."

The accident was witnessed by BBC Cambridgeshire presenter Chris Mann, who said the car was slowing down when it "suddenly accelerated" into the back of the lorry. "She didn't move for about 15 minutes. It was an absolutely awful moment. I was surrounded by people that knew her very well, including family, friends, engineers, and her manager."

The accident happened just before Sunday's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Marussia, which was called Virgin last year, is one of the three back-markers in the title race who have not yet scored a point.

De Villota, who has a degree in sports science from the European University of Madrid, was announced as the team's test driver four months ago, when she said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a Formula One team and gain important experience to help me progress my career, including the chance to drive the new car later in the year at the Abu Dhabi test."

On Monday she wrote on Twitter: "In Banbury, getting ready for tomorrow test. Can't wait." She tested a 2009 Renault last year.

The F1 community soon showed their concern for De Villota. Jenson Button wrote on Twitter: "Terrible accident for Maria de Villota, Marussia F1 team test driver. My thoughts are with Maria and her family at this very difficult time."

And world championship leader and fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso said: "I just got home and found out [about] Maria's accident, we called the family and hopefully we will know more soon! All my energy with you!"